Earl Sanderson

OSHAWA -- Charges have been laid against a Scugog man accused of sexually assaulting female clients at a downtown Oshawa outreach centre.

The charges are the result of an investigation launched after four former clients of Gate 3:16 came forward to allege assaults at the hands of a worker there, Durham police said. Some of the allegations date back 15 years.

The suspect was involved as both a volunteer and staff member at Gate 3:16 between 1995 and 2012, with duties that included teaching and counselling, police said. Investigators said administration at the centre co-operated with the investigation.

Earl Sanderson, 67, of Saintfield, is charged with four counts of sexual assault.

Gate 3:16, located on Simcoe Street, is a drop-in centre that provides clients with a variety of services including daily breakfasts and lunches, access to used clothing and footwear, computers and literacy skills training. The centre also provides counselling to those in need, according to its website.

Police have asked for anyone with information to call 905-579-1520, extension 5340.